In Morocco, the streets are once again alive with the voices of a generation demanding change. On October 18, 2025, after nearly ten days of relative quiet, hundreds of young Moroccans—led by the leaderless, digitally-savvy collective Gen Z 212—resumed their protests in cities across the country, including Casablanca, Tangier, and the capital, Rabat. The movement, which had taken a brief pause, returned with renewed energy and a clear message: the youth will not be silenced until their demands for accountability, education reform, and improved healthcare are met in action, not merely in words.
This resurgence follows weeks of unrest that have seen demonstrations in more than a dozen cities, jolting Morocco’s political establishment and capturing the attention of international media. According to the Associated Press, the Gen Z 212 movement, named after Morocco’s country dialing code, has harnessed the power of social media platforms—most notably Discord, where their subscriber base now exceeds 200,000—to organize, strategize, and amplify their grievances. Their digital coordination has translated into a real-world movement that Moroccan authorities can no longer ignore.
At the heart of the protests is a deep dissatisfaction with government priorities. Protesters have voiced anger over corruption, a lack of opportunities, and what they perceive as the government’s misplaced focus on spectacle projects—particularly the billions being spent on new stadiums and infrastructure for the 2030 FIFA World Cup—while essential services like healthcare and education remain underfunded and neglected. Chants such as “Stadiums are here, but where are the hospitals?” and calls to “Boycott the stadiums” have become rallying cries, according to reporting by the AP and other outlets.
The movement’s demands are not vague. Gen Z 212 has published an open letter to King Mohammed VI, asking for the dismissal of the current government and corrupt political parties, the release of detained protesters, and the convening of a government forum to hold officials accountable. These demands mark a shift from earlier, more nebulous calls for dignity and social justice, reflecting a growing sense among Morocco’s youth that the country has not made serious strides to overcome longstanding problems—despite repeated promises from the monarchy and government.
King Mohammed VI, in a speech to parliament on October 10, 2025, addressed the nation’s development plans but notably avoided any direct mention of the Gen Z 212 protests or their specific demands. Instead, he emphasized that “there should be no contradiction or competition between major national projects and social programs, as both share the same goal: developing the country and improving the living conditions of citizens wherever they may be.” While the king’s remarks were interpreted by some as an indirect response, many protesters remain unconvinced, insisting that real solutions—not just rhetoric—are needed.
“It sends a message to the authorities. Even though we paused for more than 10 days, we are continuing, and will continue until our demands are met, not just in words but in reality,” said Reda, a protester interviewed by the BBC. Another demonstrator, Naji, expressed both hope and skepticism: “Whether this movement will bear its fruit, I think it’s very soon to tell. There will still be, you know, political changes that will come in the upcoming days. In politics there are a lot of variables that enter in the equation, and a lot of things can change. So, I think that it’s soon to tell but obviously the youth are hopeful.”
The roots of the current unrest are complex. Morocco is experiencing a youth bulge, with more than half the population under 35, and youth unemployment for those aged 15-24 has soared to 36%, according to a June 2025 Afrobarometer survey. The same survey found that more than half of Moroccans under 35 have considered emigrating, a striking indicator of widespread frustration and a lack of faith in the future at home.
The immediate spark for the protests was the tragic death of eight women giving birth in a public hospital in Agadir—a city that, despite its appeal to tourists, is the capital of one of Morocco’s poorest provinces. The incident set off a wave of fury that quickly spread nationwide, fueled by longstanding grievances over disparities between public and private schools, teacher shortages, regional inequalities, and chronic underinvestment in rural areas. State audits have documented these issues, revealing that government measures to improve education have not produced the desired impact on quality or student retention.
Healthcare is another flashpoint. Morocco has only 7.7 medical professionals per 10,000 inhabitants, with even fewer in the southern and eastern regions where protests have been most intense. The public health system, which provides over 80% of care, accounts for only 40% of health spending—the rest comes from private or out-of-pocket costs. Protesters have targeted Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch and Health Minister Amine Tahraoui, alleging corruption and pointing to controversial government contracts and business ties that, in their view, have enriched a select few at the expense of the many.
The government’s response has been mixed. Security forces have alternated between crackdowns and restraint. Earlier in October, police killed three people who they said were attempting to storm a post, and more than 400 people have been arrested for vandalism related to the protests. Moroccan courts have handed down harsh sentences, including a total of 162 years for 17 defendants in Agadir, according to Human Rights Watch. Yet, in other instances, police have stood aside as rioters and looters set cars ablaze and smashed storefronts.
In the face of mounting pressure, some government officials have pledged to reallocate funds to healthcare and education. Finance Minister Nadia Fettah Alaoui announced at a World Bank meeting in Washington that this would be a focus of the 2025 government budget. Still, as stadiums rise quickly and promised reforms remain largely theoretical, many young Moroccans remain skeptical. “The government is taking patchwork measures to ease the pressure,” said Youssef, a 27-year-old protester. “Their reforms will take years.”
Morocco’s Gen Z movement is part of a broader global wave of youth-led activism, with similar protests erupting in countries like Nepal, Madagascar, Kenya, and Peru. These movements share a refusal to channel their demands through traditional political parties or unions, preferring instead to organize autonomously and digitally. In Morocco, the Gen Z 212 collective’s ability to translate online discontent into sustained, coordinated action on the streets has set a new precedent for youth engagement—and for the government’s response to it.
With the Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, the world’s eyes are on Morocco. Yet, for the country’s young protesters, the real contest is not on the soccer pitch, but in the struggle for a more just, accountable, and equitable society. Their message is clear: the future of Morocco depends on real change, not just grand projects and promises.
